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Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services - Service Specification

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SCHEDULE 4
INVITATION TO TENDER
CLYDE & HEBRIDES FERRY SERVICES

CONTENT OF TECHNICAL SUBMISSION

4.1 General

4.1.1 The Technical Submission should include, for each aspect of the service specification:

  • a detailed description of the tenderer's understanding of the service requirement as set out in this document, and
  • a comprehensive description of how the tenderer proposes to provide the service in line with the specification set out in this document

4.1.2 Tenderers will wish to be aware that the evaluation will be based solely on the content of the Technical Bid, any follow up clarification and any audit of the tenderers current operations. Evaluators will not, therefore, be able to assume knowledge on the part of the tenderer. Tenderers should therefore consider the level of detail they include in the Technical Bid as regards how they would intend to operate the services.

4.1.3 Tenderers must address all aspects of the service specification. Where an issue arises more than once in the Bid documents it may be sufficient to refer the evaluators to a single part of the document (e.g. safety is a key issue and will need to be addressed for a number of different circumstances).

4.1.4 As a minimum the Technical Submission should address the following issues:

4.2 Completion of Schedules

4.2.1 The following Schedules must be completed and returned with the Technical Bid:

  • Schedule 5 (Form of Tender to Scottish Executive)
  • Schedule 6 (Declaration that the Tender is a Bona Fide Competitive Tender)
  • Schedule 7 (Statement confirming that, if successful, the tenderer will comply fully with the requirements of the Service Specification)

4.3 Contract Terms and Conditions

4.3.1 The Bid must include:

  • a clear statement confirming that the tenderer accept all the terms and conditions as provided ( as set out in Schedule 7), and
  • a note of any terms or conditions which the tenderer would wish to propose a change to setting out proposed alternative wording and detailing the expected advantages and disadvantages of the revised wording for the tenderer, the Executive and users. Tenderers should note that there is no obligation on the Executive to accept any proposed changes and that if a change is accepted the revised wording will be offered to all tenderers. Tenderers will also wish to note that any bid which rejects the terms and conditions will be deemed non-compliant.

4.4 Contracts with VesCo

4.4.1 The Bid must include a clear statement confirming that provisional agreements are in place with VesCo for harbour management, vessel leasing and brand licensing

4.5 Pensions

4.5.1 The Bid should include full details of the proposed pension scheme.

4.6 TUPE/Transfer of Staff

4.6.1 Detailed staffing arrangements should be set out in sections of the Bid relevant to the operation of the services. However, the Bid should also include a summary statement of that information. This summary should set out clearly:

  • what (if any) changes to staffing arrangements the bidder proposes
  • numbers and grades of existing staff who will remain in current posts
  • numbers and grades of existing staff who will be moved to other posts within the organisation
  • numbers and grades of any existing staff whom the tenderer, if successful, would make redundant, and
  • any other relevant staffing issues including a summary of any proposed changes to terms and conditions

4.6.2 All current staff should be accounted for.

4.7 Confidential Information

4.7.1 Each tenderer should flag up any sensitive or confidential information contained in the Bid. Tenderers will wish to note the Executive policy on Freedom of Information ( see Schedule 2, paragraph 2.4.30 and 2.4.31).

4.8 Financial Structure

4.8.1 Tenderers must set out satisfactory proposals showing how the subsidy would be accounted for in a transparent and auditable fashion. Further, a system must be detailed which will ensure that there is no cross-subsidisation between the CHFS routes and any other ferry route or any other activities. Tenderers may wish to consider whether it might be appropriate to set up a separate special purpose company to provide the services to ensure that there is adequate transparency. Details of charging arrangements in respect of services provided by other parts of the special purpose company's Group must also be provided.

4.9 Changes in Circumstances

4.9.1 If there are any changes in circumstances since the submission of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) these must be detailed. Failure to do so may result in the bid being rejected. Relevant changes include (but are not limited to):

  • a change in the ownership of the tenderer or parent company
  • a change in current business activities of the tenderer or parent company
  • safety incidents/investigations etc

4.10 Branding

4.10.1 Tenderers should set out any proposals for an endorsed brand strategy.

4.11 Mission Statement/Goals and Objectives

4.11.1 The Technical Submission should include a copy of the tenderer's Mission Statement in relation to both the CHFS services and the tenderer. It should be a clear statement of the tenderer's goals and objectives, which should be achievable and consistent with the Executive's requirements.

4.12 SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) Analysis

4.12.1 Tenderers should provide a SWOT analysis. It should include a list of perceived internal Strengths and Weaknesses of the tenderer's organisation, together with the external Opportunities and Threats which the tenderer's organisation expects to face during the term of the contract. The SWOT analysis should be realistic and complete. It should feed into the formulation of the business strategy, risk assessment and implementation plan.

4.12.2 The Executive will use the SWOT analysis to assist in determining each tenderer's understanding of the CHFS services, social and commercial environment, together with other influences which impinge on the efficient and safe operation of the CHFS.

4.13 Risk Assessment

4.13.1 The Technical Submission should include a preliminary risk assessment which:

  • identifies all significant risks associated with the handover period and implementation of the contract; and significant risks related to the operation of the services. This should include any changes the tenderer intends to make
  • makes a preliminary assessment of those risks and sets out how the tenderer intends to address those risks

4.13.2 The Submission should provide details of the scope of the preliminary risk assessment.

4.13.3 The successful tenderer will be required to carry out a full risk assessment within 6 months of signing the contract. The Technical Submission should also include details of the scope and programme for the full risk assessment, clearly identifying the risks associated with the main contract term and identifying the personnel who will carry out the assessment. Where named individuals are identified to carry out the full risk assessment tenderers should include their CVs. A detailed person specification for the work should also be included. Where the tenderer is unable to name specific individuals a detailed person specification (including qualifications and experience) for the work will be sufficient. All tenderers should note that, if successful, their proposals for the full risk assessment will form part of the subsidy contract. In addition, the successful tenderer will be required to ensure that any personnel who are appointed to carry out the risk assessment must meet the requirements of the detailed person specification.

4.14 Business Plan/Business Strategy

4.14.1 The Technical Submission should include a detailed business plan which sets out a clear strategy for the length of the contract and the handover period preceding it. Key points to note:

  • the business strategy should be realistic and demonstrate how the tenderer aims to achieve his goals and objectives
  • tenderers must provide details of projected carryings for each of the 6 years of the contract and an explanation of how the tenderer arrived at the projections
  • the Plan should not, at this time, detail costs but it should include issues where cost is relevant (e.g. proposals for managing major costs such as fuel or staffing)
  • this section should also include a Contextual Statement which should include details of:
    • market factors
    • political factors
    • economic factors
    • technical factors
    • social factors

4.15 Implementation Plan

4.15.1 A fully detailed implementation plan including a timescale must be provided. This will be subject to final agreement with the Executive.

4.15.2 The Executive places great importance on the implementation phase of this contract. The possibility of a change of operator as a consequence of this tender exercise could increase the potential for disruption to services and for operational incidents and accidents. Tenderers should, therefore, demonstrate that they have fully considered all the operational, safety, commercial, managerial and industrial relations issues involved with the transition from the present arrangements to a competitively-awarded contract.

4.15.3 The implementation plan must address all the key issues, and include a detailed timetable (with estimated dates for the achievement of key milestones) for their achievements within the period from contract award to contract commencement. As a minimum, the Implementation Plan should address the following issues:

  • achievement of relevant safety certification
  • specifying details of service timetable during the transition
  • handling of any crewing implications/changes
  • negotiating with sea-going and shore-based staff/unions where changes in terms and conditions are envisaged
  • establishing transitional arrangements for bookings
  • setting up a shore management and manning structure
  • identifying the training needs of sea-going and shore-based staff and producing a training plan to ensure appropriate training is offered timeously
  • vessel building/ conversion programme where new build or conversion work is being undertaken
  • achievement of appropriate Flag status where change of flag is required in respect of vessels being introduced. Where the vessel proposed is currently under a non EEA Flag, and she is to be re-flagged, written confirmation must be provided from the authorities of the EEA Flag state to which she is to be moved, confirming that she will be acceptable.
  • vessel trials and trial berthings
  • consultation with user groups
  • consultation with local authorities
  • consultation with outgoing operator (this issue does not, of course, need to be addressed in the OpsCo bid)
  • details of contingency plans to deal with possible delays in the completion of any shore infrastructure development or alteration which may be required

4.15.4 During the handover period the Executive expects the successful tenderer to work closely with the current operator (does not apply if contract is awarded to OpsCo).

4.15.5 The Executive will have the right to monitor the successful tenderer's progress on service implementation against the agreed implementation plan and the successful tenderer will be required to provide, as a minimum (this may be increased at the Executive's discretion), monthly reports to the Executive on implementation progress during the period between contract award and service commencement. The Executive will have the right to be represented at meetings of the Project Implementation Team and the Executive will have the right to be represented at meetings with the outgoing operator (does not apply if OpsCo is successful in its bid) and with other key interests including the MCA, network Harbour Authorities and VesCo. Where progress on implementation falls behind the requirements of the plan the Executive will have the right to require the successful tenderer to produce proposals to rectify any difficulties and to require the successful tenderer to take whatever action is deemed necessary by the Executive to address the problem. Tenderers should be aware that failure to meet the requirements of the implementation plan may result in termination of the contract

4.15.6 The handover procedure will be agreed with the successful tenderer taking into account the agreed implementation plan. Tenderers should include proposals in relation to the handover procedure in their Technical submission.

4.16 Marketing Plan

4.16.1 Tenderers must provide an outline Marketing Plan which sets out a clear strategy for the length of the contract and the handover period preceding it. The Plan should deal with the development of the network and outline projected traffic levels for the duration of the contract. It is expected that tenderers will consult with local interests when considering the marketing issues associated with the development of the CHFS. The marketing plan should include:

  • a description of the market for all traffic types
  • opportunities identified to maximise revenues from all traffic (in line with the fares maxima) and a proposed plan of action for pursuing these opportunities
  • opportunities identified to minimise costs and a proposed plan of action for pursuing these opportunities
  • potential risks that have been identified and proposed action for mitigating these.
  • assumptions made of market share and forecasts of all traffic over the proposed period of the contract including traffic growth assumptions on a route by route basis
  • detailed proposals for onboard and shore merchandising

4.16.2 The Executive looks to tenderers to propose imaginative schemes to boost the tourism market. In addition, the Executive expects tenderers to consider in their Technical Submission ways of maximising opportunities for establishing connections with other public transport providers.

4.17 Operational Management Plan

4.17.1 Tenderers must provide a clear and comprehensive Operational Management Plan for the service. As a minimum, the Operational Management Plan should cover the following issues:

  • Key Staff
  • Arrangements for Staff
  • Vessels to be used, their Deployment and Relief Arrangements
  • Management and Operation of Ports, Harbours and Shore Facilities
  • Safety Plan
  • Integrated Transport, Ticketing and Information
  • Price Structures and Tariffs
  • Provision of Carriage
  • Timetables
  • Insurance
  • Quality
  • Monitoring and Audit
  • Performance Regime and Users' Charter
  • Disabled People/Accessibility of Services
  • Language
  • Environmental Protection

Key Staff

4.17.2 Where individuals are identified for particular roles their names and CVs should be included. Where the company intend to recruit new senior staff to fill key roles if their tender is successful this should be made clear. For all roles a detailed job description and person specification (including experience and qualifications) should be provided. Tenderers will wish to note that the job descriptions and detailed person specifications for each role will be part of the contract terms. Failure to appoint suitable individuals to key roles may result in termination of the contract. Key roles for which person specifications must be provided are:

  • Managing Director/Chief Executive
  • Operations Manager/Director
  • Technical Manager
  • The Designated Person Ashore
  • H.R. Manager/Director
  • Health and Safety Manager/Director
  • Person responsible for Company response in the event of accidents, etc if not listed above

Arrangements for Staff

4.17.3 The Operational Management Plan should include:

  • structure diagram showing lines of responsibility within a blended structure and the way in which CalMac OpsCo personnel would be absorbed
  • details of the tenderers approach to crewing in relation to the CHFS services
  • details of training policies for the development of seagoing and shore staff on the CHFS services. Tenderers should note that proposals will be required to adequately provide for the continuing and long term requirements of the services.
  • details of policy on retention and how the tenderer would avoid high staff turnover. Tenderers will wish to note that the proposals must ensure that there will be sufficient numbers of appropriately trained staff available at the end of the contract to ensure the continuation of the services into the next contract. Together with policies on training, there should be long term planning to ensure that there will be sufficient numbers of appropriately trained staff available for the continuation of the services well into the future.
  • industrial relations and other related policies - for example on Fairness at Work. The successful tenderer will be expected to work in partnership with the relevant unions. The operator's human resource management policy should be set out and demonstrate a commitment to foster constructive relationships and a partnership approach in line with the Executive's objectives.
  • details of approach to crewing including the proposed employment arrangements.
  • either a statement ( Schedule 7) that the tenderer is content to continue CalMac's current policies in relation to staff (as set out in the Staff Handbook, Disciplinary policy, Dignity at Work policy, Drugs and Alcohol policy and Equal opportunities policy) or a copy of the policy/policies which the tenderer intends to negotiate with the staff. If the latter the Submission should set out how the tenderer intends to approach the negotiation.
  • detailed explanation of any proposed changes to the terms and conditions of existing staff. If tenderers propose such changes they should set out in the technical submission how they would achieve this whilst meeting the minimum standards set out in this specification. In particular, tenderers will wish to consider negotiations with the unions representing the CalMac workforce and relations with staff.

Vessels to be used, their Deployment and Relief Arrangements

4.17.4 The Operational Management Plan should include details of the fleet to be used and a detailed deployment plan for the 6 years of the contract. The proposed fleet and its deployment must be capable of meeting the timetables, special events and emergencies, the projected carryings (which must be realistic) and be workable within existing shore infrastructure. The extent and scope of services on board vessels must be maintained.

4.17.5 Full details for the structure of the fleet (both at contract handover and during the course of the contract) and the deployment of the various vessels within it must be provided. The Technical Submission must include:

  • proposed arrangements for leasing from VesCo, i.e. vessel numbers and names. All VesCo vessels will generally be considered fit for purpose and satisfy Executive requirements on safety and seaworthiness. However, not all VesCo vessels are suitable for all network routes and this issue must be taken into account in considering deployment and relief arrangements. Confirmation will be required from VesCo that it is satisfied with proposals for maintenance and insurance.
  • proposed arrangements and circumstances (if applicable) under which the tenderer intends to use non-VesCo vessels to provide the Approved Services. Tenderers will wish to note that non-VesCo vessels may only be used if all VesCo vessels are to be leased. Sufficient detail must be provided about any non-VesCo vessels to enable the evaluation team to assess their suitability. The following information is required:
    • name and previous names
    • when and where built
    • flag, port of registry
    • General Arrangement Drawing
    • service speed and consumption, carrying capacity and class
    • copy of pax certificate (if appropriate)
    • copy of loadline certificate
    • copy of Port state inspection record covering previous 2 years of operation
    • where vessel is to be purchased the bidder must provide a copy of the Memorandum of Agreement between the tenderer and the vessel's present owner and clear evidence of availability
    • where the vessel is to be chartered the bidder must provide a copy of the charter party and a written statement from the vessel's current owner on availability
    • where the vessel is to be built the bidder must provide design details and outline build programme. Tenderers will wish to note that where a vessel is being built, the building process will form part of the implementation plan and the Executive will have the right to monitor the newbuilding process through meetings with the successful tenderer and visits to the shipyard.

A non-VesCo vessel will only be approved if it is suitable for the network (specifically any routes which it is intended to be used on) and must be available for the duration of the contract (unless other acceptable arrangements are made). In the latter case, for example, it would be acceptable for the bidder to propose the replacement of a vessel during the course of the contract. The proposed replacement vessel will also have to satisfy the requirements set out in this section.

Tenderers will wish to note that all proposed non-VesCo vessels will be subject to physical inspection before being approved. Details of where this can be done should be provided.

  • Fleet Deployment Plan which shows:
    • deployment of vessels for both summer and winter timetables. Where regular vessel deployment changes on particular days or sailings this must be specified
    • fleet relief arrangements on a route by route, vessel by vessel basis. The fleet relief arrangements must be sufficient to ensure that the performance requirements of the contract are met, should take account of both planned and unplanned requirements, and should take account of historical requirements for relief on the network. Tenderers must make commitments to response time and detail any constraints/service restrictions. The contingency plans should consider arrangements in the event of harbours being closed due to adverse weather conditions and/or vessels prove unserviceable for a period of 2 or more days.
  • detailed crewing proposals including:
    • crew configurations and numbers per sailing, noting seasonal variations
    • crew/passenger ratios and passenger certificate numbers throughout the year
    • shift patterns to be adopted

    Where tenderers propose changes to current practice these should be detailed with an explanation setting out how the tenderer intends to bring the change about and provide satisfactory evidence that this will not adversely affect safety and performance. Tenderers will wish to consider what negotiations might be required with the trade unions representing the existing workforce.

All current staff should be accounted for in the proposals.

Management and Operation of Ports and Harbours and Shore Facilities

4.17.6 The Technical Submission should set out how the tenderer will carry out responsibilities in relation to all activities associated with the day to day vessel/port interface (including mooring, ship securement, unmooring, marshalling, loading and unloading of passengers, vehicles, freight and livestock, along with the manning of ticketing, reservations and other shore based activities).

4.17.7 The Technical Submission must include:

  • proposed arrangements with VesCo for management of VesCo harbours. Confirmation will be required from VesCo that it is satisfied with the tenderer's proposals
  • proposed arrangements with VesCo for the use of VesCo harbours
  • proposed arrangements (if appropriate) with VesCo for lease of shore facilities
  • proposed arrangements with non-VesCo harbour authorities for use of harbours and shore facilities
  • summary of shore facilities that it is proposed will be available for passengers' use

4.17.8 Tenderers must set out, for each network harbour:

  • manpower requirements. The Submission should include the manning structure for each harbour showing the number and grade of personnel required. Where this is different from existing provision this should be flagged up with an explanation of why the provision is different and appropriate evidence that this will not adversely effect safety/quality of service. All current staff should be accounted for. The plan should include details of minimum training standards to be maintained and how this will be achieved.
  • detailed explanation of how the tenderer will manage operational requirements. This will include compliance with legislative and regulatory Requirements (in particular Health and Safety Regulations and the Port Marine Safety Code).
  • details of on shore facilities for passengers and other users.

Safety Plan

4.17.9 The Technical Submission must include a comprehensive safety plan covering all aspects of the operations. The plan should address all major issues concerned with the prevention of accidents and the minimising of their effect, and contingency arrangements in the event of a major incident.

4.17.10 Job descriptions and person specifications (including experience and qualifications) must be provided for the key officers responsible for Health and Safety i.e. the Health and Safety Officer and the Director responsible for Health and Safety. Tenderers may also wish to name individuals who will take up these roles. Tenderers will wish to note that the job descriptions and detailed person specifications for each role will be a part of contract terms. Failure to appoint suitable individuals to key roles may result in termination of the contract.

4.17.11 The Tenderer should also detail how he intends to comply with all applicable International Conventions, EU Council Directives and Regulations, and National Regulations and to ensure that relevant industry codes, guidance and standards are fully taken into account.

Integrated Transport, Ticketing and Information

4.17.12 The Technical Submission should include detailed proposals for the following:

  • common timetable, ticketing and fares database
  • operation of a central information and reservations phone system
  • operation of internet site covering operations of CHFS network
  • provision of real time information to passengers and road and public transport information systems (e.g. Traveline)
  • production and marketing of a brochure to cover all CHFS routes and bi-annual publication of timetables
  • co-operation with local tourist boards/local initiatives
  • co-operation with rail and bus operators
  • co-operation with the successful tenderer for the Gourock-Dunoon route

Price Structure and Tariffs

4.17.13 Tenderers must either:

  • state clearly that they are content with the existing tariff structure (as set out in the Table of Rates and Charges); or
  • provide details of changes they wish to make.

4.17.14 The successful tenderer will have the commercial discretion to offer discounted rates over and above those specified. Details of special packages or discounts to be applied over and above those prescribed should be included (along with revenue estimates at costed bid stage). Any proposed changes must comply with Ministers' policy to protect net fares.

4.17.15 The Technical Submission should also address requirements for the provision of network wide initiatives to facilitate tourism in the CHFS area. Tenderers' should detail proposals for products comparable to the current operator's Island Hopscotch and Rover.

Provision of Carriage

4.17.16 The Technical Submission should include detailed proposals setting out how the tenderer intends to provide for the carriage of passengers, freight, livestock and hazardous goods. The proposals must include provision for:

  • passengers, bicycles and vehicles
  • freight (including the overnight freight service on the Ullapool-Stornoway route)
  • livestock
  • hazardous goods
  • special or unscheduled events
  • Emergency Services

Timetables

4.17.17 The Technical Submission should include a clear statement ( Schedule 7) that the tenderer will comply with the existing summer and winter timetables.

Insurance

4.17.18 The Technical Submission must set out clearly how the tenderer intends to address the insurance requirements of providing the CHFS services. Detailed proposals on the following are required:

  • the arrangements to be put in place for third party liability insurance in respect of their performance of the Contract including the operation of vessels.
  • the arrangements in place for the vessels they propose and for their own operation. These will consist of:
    • the name of the P&I association with which the vessel is entered along with a copy of the certificate of entry
    • hull and machinery insurance will be for VesCo
    • identity of the underwriters with whom third party risk is placed along with details of the extent of cover
    • details of any other insurances required by the Executive or VesCo

Quality

4.17.19 Tenderers shall provide, as part of the Technical Submission, the following information:

  • Quality Assurance Manager and the Director who will be responsible for Quality Assurance. Where individuals are identified for particular roles their names and CVs should be included. Where tenderers intend to recruit new staff (if their tender is successful) this should be made clear. For both roles a detailed job description and person specification (including experience and qualifications) should be provided. Tenderers will wish to note that the job descriptions and detailed person specifications for each role will be a part of the contract terms. Failure to appoint suitable individuals to key roles may result in termination of the contract.
  • the Executive will need to be satisfied that appropriate quality accreditation measures will be in place. Tenderers provided details of current quality accreditation at PQQ stage. This information is not required again unless there have been changes to the accreditation held by a tenderer. Where an operator intends to provide the services itself no further evidence is required. However, where it is intended that a new company will be/has been established for the purposes of providing the services (and there is no current quality accreditation which was deemed acceptable at PQQ stage by the Executive) tenderers must set out proposals for gaining appropriate accreditation. This will include details of the planned accreditation, milestones and target dates for compliance. In the case of joint ventures where partners have differing quality accreditation, an explanation should be provided as to how the quality management system will be administered and where the specific areas of responsibility will lie.
  • tenderers must submit a Quality Plan. This should outline details of how the Quality System will be administered and encompass the entire Q.A. system. Outline details of key service standards, including quantifiable targets, should be given. In no circumstances, however, should these targets be viewed as a reason to take action that in any way jeopardises the safety of the vessel, its crew or passengers. If available, tenderers should submit a copy of the Document of Compliance plus the key manual which describes the Q.A. system.

Monitoring and Audit

4.17.20 The Technical Submission should set out tenderers' proposals for the collation and provision of information required in Annexes 20 and 23. The proposals should include detail about how the quality of information will be audited by the tenderer.

Performance Regime and Users' Charter

4.17.21 Key minimum standards relating to reliability and punctuality are set out at Annex 20. Tenderers are required to set out how they will collate, audit and publish the information.

4.17.22 In addition to the requirements relating to reliability and punctuality standards the successful tenderer will be required to put in place a Users' Charter. This will be subject to agreement with the Executive and should include provisions relating to:

  • conduct of staff
  • cleanliness of public areas on vessels
  • customer satisfaction with on-board facilities
  • customer satisfaction with on-shore facilities
  • customer satisfaction with freight and livestock service
  • services for disabled people

The following proposals must also be submitted:-

  • proposals for monitoring key service standards on a day to day basis and reporting performance to the Executive on a four-weekly basis
  • proposals for monitoring and assessing customer satisfaction with services for Users' charter and for handling complaints
  • proposals for the complaints procedure which the successful tenderer will implement, with target timescales for the resolution of issues
  • proposals for establishing a regular consultation process with ferry users to meet the requirements set out in Schedule 3
  • proposals for how the company would make key service standards and information on performance against targets publicly available

Disabled People/Accessibility of Services

4.17.23 The Technical Submission should include the tenderer's proposals for dealing with accessibility issues. In particular, the Submission should address the following issues:

  • how the tenderer, if successful, would take into account and comply with the Disability Discrimination Act. This will include accessibility to all aspects of the service including vessels, piers, ticketing and reservations, information provision etc.
  • how the tenderer, if successful, would develop a service level agreement for disabled passengers
  • what proposals for future improvements the tenderer would intend to include in the Users' Charter
  • confirm that where it is safe disabled people will continue to be allowed to remain in their vehicles during short crossings and where the vehicles are stowed on an open deck
  • consideration of the guidance on travel issued by the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association

Language

4.17.24 The Technical Submission should include proposals setting out:

  • how the tenderer would ensure that the MCA requirements relating to language will be met (i.e. ISM Code and STWC 95 in relation to the ability to communicate with passengers and to each other)
  • how the tenderer will ensure that the crew and shore staff who deal directly with users will be proficient in English
  • the tenderer's consideration of whether there are benefits attached to ensuring a number of sea-going or shore based jobs for competent Gaelic speakers

4.17.25 Tenderers are encouraged to consider initiatives to enhance and promote the culture, language, enterprise and tourism facilities in the Highlands and Islands.

Environmental Protection

4.17.26 The Routes served by the CHFS Network are situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Accordingly, the successful tenderer's Safety and Environmental Protection policy must recognise and take into account this environmental sensitivity.

4.17.27 In order to protect the environment, the successful tenderer shall develop the objectives of their Safety Management Systems, as required by the ISM Code, in consideration of the unique and special environmental factors that exist in and around the vessels' trading areas. Tenderers should set out what steps they would take, if successful, to develop the SMS in this way.

4.17.28 Tenderers must also provide full details of their policy in relation to environmental protection and should describe any particular steps they will take to preserve the route environment.

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Page updated: Friday, April 7, 2006